You’ve finally dialed in your perfect hammock sleep system. The hammock is comfy, the underquilt is toasty, and you’re ready for the woods. But then a dark cloud rolls in. You look at your Blue Ridge Hammock rain cover and then at that expensive, fluffy underquilt hanging below you. A nagging question pops up: “Will this thing actually keep my underquilt dry?” It’s a legit fear—a wet underquilt is a cold, miserable night waiting to happen. Let’s break down the real answer so you can sleep soundly.
- •The Blue Ridge rain fly is a hex-style tarp measuring approximately 11′ on the ridgeline.
- •It offers basic protection but has key limitations for full underquilt coverage.
- •Splashback and wind-driven rain are the biggest threats it struggles with.
- •Proper, low pitching is critical to maximizing its effectiveness.
- •For guaranteed protection in serious weather, a larger winter tarp with doors is recommended.
- •The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s “yes, but only if…”
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Exactly is the Blue Ridge Hammock Rain Cover?
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated
How a Rain Fly Protects an Underquilt (The Science)
The Blue Ridge’s Biggest Weakness: Splashback
How to Maximize Protection with Your Blue Ridge Fly
When You Should Consider a Larger Tarp
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Exactly is the Blue Ridge Hammock Rain Cover?
First, let’s know what we’re working with. The Blue Ridge Hammock Rain Cover, often sold on Amazon and other online retailers, is a popular and affordable hex tarp. Its key specs are:
- •Shape: Hexagonal (6-sided) with catenary cuts on the edges for a taut pitch.
- •Size: Roughly 11 feet along the ridgeline (the long center seam) and about 6-7 feet wide at its center point.
- •Material: Typically a coated polyester or nylon, providing decent water resistance.
It’s a solid, no-frills rain fly that gets the job done for fair-weather camping and protecting the hammock itself from direct rain.
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated
So, does the Blue Ridge hammock rain cover protect underquilts? The honest answer is: It can, but not perfectly, and not in all conditions.
Think of it like this: it’s an umbrella. If the rain falls straight down, you stay dry. If the wind blows the rain sideways, your legs get wet. Your underquilt is like your legs in this scenario. The Blue Ridge fly provides good direct coverage but struggles with indirect weather like blowing rain or ground splash.
How a Rain Fly Protects an Underquilt (The Science)
An underquilt hangs beneath your hammock, exposed to the elements. A tarp is its first and only line of defense. Protection isn’t just about blocking water from above; it’s about creating a sheltered microclimate.
For a tarp to truly protect an underquilt, it needs to be wide and long enough to cover the hammock’s entire length and a significant portion of its depth, especially at the ends where wind and rain can sneak in. This is where the Blue Ridge’s dimensions become a limiting factor.
The Blue Ridge’s Biggest Weakness: Splashback
The primary threat to your underquilt from this specific rain cover isn’t direct rain—it’s splashback.
Imagine a heavy raindrop hitting the ground near your hammock. It splashes upward. Your Blue Ridge tarp, with its limited width and lack of “doors” (side panels that can be closed), can’t stop that muddy water from hitting the bottom of your underquilt. This is a major cause of a damp underquilt, and it’s why many seasoned hammock campers opt for much larger tarps.
How to Maximize Protection with Your Blue Ridge Fly
Don’t throw it out yet! You can significantly improve its performance with smart pitching techniques.
- •Pitch it LOW: The closer the tarp is to the ground, the more it blocks wind and splashback. You shouldn’t be able to stand under it.
- •Use a Steep Angle: Pitch the tarp at a steeper angle rather than a flat “porch mode.” This helps shed water quickly and creates more protected space at the ends.
- •Center Your Hammock: Make sure your hammock is centered perfectly under the ridgeline to maximize the coverage on both sides.
- •Mind the Ends: Orient the narrow ends of the tarp into the prevailing wind. This presents a smaller profile to the weather.
When You Should Consider a Larger Tarp
If you’re a serious four-season camper or are heading into known bad weather, the Blue Ridge’s limitations might be too risky. You should consider a larger tarp if:
- •You camp in heavy, wind-driven rain or snow often.
- •You use a longer 11-foot hammock, which leaves less coverage at the ends.
- •You want a completely dry space to cook or gear up under cover.
- •You need absolute confidence that your underquilt and entire sleep system will stay dry.
A “winter tarp” or “tarp with doors” that is 12+ feet long and has extra fabric on the ends to seal up like a barn is the gold standard for protecting an underquilt from rain.
